Résumé

Objectif

Développer un agenda de recherche mondial qui guidera les investissements dans les interventions efficaces pour répondre aux grands besoins non satisfaits en méthodes modernes de planification familiale.

Méthodes

Dans une enquête mondiale, les experts dans le domaine de la contraception ont été invités à identifier et classer les types de recherche qui seraient nécessaires – et les lacunes en termes de connaissances qui devront être comblées – pour réduire le besoin non satisfait de planification familiale dans la prochaine décennie. Les experts ont ensuite été invités à noter la recherche dans un domaine particulier et à évaluer ses chances de déboucher sur une intervention qui: (i) serait livrable, abordable et durable; (ii) réduirait substantiellement le besoin non satisfait de moyens contraceptifs; (iii) serait efficace et efficiente dans l'amélioration des systèmes de santé; (iv) serait mise en œuvre de manière éthique; et (v) améliorerait l'équité dans la population cible. Les notes globales ont ensuite été classées.

Résultats

La plupart des sujets qui ont reçu les 15 meilleures notes appartiennent à trois catégories: la mise en œuvre de politiques en matière de planification familiale; l'intégration de services pour surmonter les obstacles à l'utilisation des moyens contraceptifs; et les interventions ciblées vers des groupes mal desservis, comme les adolescents.

Conclusion

Les experts dans le domaine de la contraception ont classé comme hautement prioritaire: l'amélioration de la mise en œuvre et de l'intégration des services de santé et le renforcement des systèmes de santé qui soutiennent les services de planification familiale. Les résultats de l'exercice peuvent aider les décideurs, les chercheurs et les organismes de financement à développer une approche claire et ciblée pour satisfaire les besoins mondiaux en matière de planification familiale et pour atteindre l'objectif fixé par l'initiative de la Planification Familiale 2020.

Resumen

Objetivo

Desarrollar una agenda global de investigación que guíe la inversión en intervenciones efectivas para cubrir la gran necesidad insatisfecha de métodos modernos de planificación familiar.

Métodos

En una encuesta mundial, se invitó a expertos en anticoncepción a identificar y clasificar los tipos de investigación que serían necesarios, así como las lagunas de conocimientos que deben colmarse para reducir la necesidad insatisfecha de planificación familiar en la próxima década. A continuación, se pidió a los expertos que puntuaran la investigación de una materia concreta en términos de la probabilidad de que condujera a una intervención que: (i) fuera viable, asequible y sostenible; (ii) redujera sustancialmente la necesidad insatisfecha de anticonceptivos; (iii) fuera eficaz y eficiente en la mejora de los sistemas sanitarios; (iv) pudiera aplicarse con ética; y (v) mejorara la equidad en la población meta. A continuación, se clasificaron las puntuaciones generales.

Resultados

La mayoría de los temas que recibieron las 15 calificaciones más altas se dividieron en tres categorías: la aplicación de las políticas de planificación familiar, la integración de servicios para abordar las barreras al uso de anticonceptivos y las intervenciones dirigidas a grupos desatendidos, como los adolescentes.

Conclusión

Los expertos en anticoncepción dieron máxima prioridad a la investigación destinada a mejorar la aplicación e integración de los servicios sanitarios y al fortalecimiento de los sistemas sanitarios que apoyan los servicios de planificación familiar. Los resultados del ejercicio pueden ayudar a los gobernantes, investigadores y organismos de financiación a desarrollar un enfoque claro y a satisfacer la necesidad internacional de planificación familiar, así como a alcanzar el objetivo fijado por la iniciativa Planificación Familiar 2020.

ملخص

الغرض

وضع جدول أعمال عالمي للبحوث سيقوم بتوجيه الاستثمار في التدخلات الفعالة لإشباع الحاجة الكبيرة غير الملباة للوسائل الحديثة في تنظيم الأسرة.

الطريقة

تم دعوة الخبراء في وسائل منع الحمل، من خلال دراسة استقصائية عالمية، إلى تحديد وترتيب أنواع البحوث التي ستكون مطلوبة - والفجوات المعرفية التي سيلزم سدها - بُغية تقليل الحاجة غير الملباة لتنظيم الأسرة في العقد القادم. ثم طُلب من الخبراء وضع درجات البحث حول موضوع معين من حيث احتمال أن يؤدي إلى تدخل يتسم بما يلي: (1) سهل الإيتاء وميسور التكلفة ومستدام؛ (2) يقلل بشكل كبير من الحاجة غير الملباة إلى وسائل منع الحمل؛ (3) يتسم بالفعالية والكفاءة في تحسين النظم الصحية؛ (4) يتم تنفيذه بشكل أخلاقي؛ و(5) يحسّن الإنصاف في الفئة السكانية المستهدفة. وبعد ذلك، تم ترتيب الدرجات الإجمالية.

النتائج

كانت معظم المواضيع التي حازت على أعلى 15 درجة تندرج ضمن ثلاث فئات، هي: تنفيذ السياسات في تنظيم الأسرة؛ ودمج الخدمات لتذليل العقبات التي تحول دون استخدام وسائل منع الحمل؛ والتدخلات المستهدفة لدى الفئات التي تعاني من نقص الخدمات، مثل المراهقين.

الاستنتاج

منح خبراء وسائل منع الحمل الأولوية القصوى للبحوث المعنية بتحسين تنفيذ الخدمات الصحية وتكاملها وبتعزيز النظم الصحية التي تدعم خدمات تنظيم الأسرة. ومن الممكن أن تساعد نتائج الممارسة صناع القرار والباحثين ووكالات التمويل في وضع نهج واضح ومركز لتلبية الحاجة العالمية لتنظيم الأسرة وبلوغ الهدف الذي حددته مبادرة تنظيم الأسرة 2020.

摘要

目的

制定全球研究议程，用以引导有效干预措施方面的投资，以满足计划生育现代方法的大量未得到满足的需求。

方法

在全球调查中，邀请避孕专家识别和评价为减少未来十年计划生育未满足的需求所需的研究类型和必须填补的知识空白。然后要求专家们对给定主题的研究在形成干预可能性方面进行评分，这种干预应具有以下特征：(i) 可交付成果、可负担得起且可持续；(ii) 大大减少对避孕药的未满足的需求；(iii) 在改善卫生系统方面高效并富有成效；(iv) 在伦理上可实现；并且 (v) 提高目标人群公平性。然后对总分进行排名。

结果

得到最高15 分的大部分主题为这三类：计划生育政策实施；解决避孕障碍的服务整合；以及针对青少年等需求未满足人群的干预措施。

结论

避孕专家将提高卫生服务的实施和整合的研究以及加强卫生系统支持计划生育服务的研究列为当务之急。此练习的结果可以帮助决策者、研究人员和资助机构制定一个清晰、有针对性的方法来满足全球计划生育需要并达到计划生育2020 倡议设定的目标。

Резюме

Цель

Разработать глобальный план исследований, позволяющий управлять инвестициями в эффективные мероприятия, направленные на удовлетворение высокой потребности в современных методах планирования семьи.

Методы

В рамках глобального исследования были приглашены эксперты по вопросам контрацепции, в задачи которых входило определение и ранжирование типов необходимых исследований, а также выявление информационных пробелов, которые требуется восполнить, с целью сокращения в следующем десятилении масштабов неудовлетворенной потребности, связанной с планированием семьи. Экспертов попросили оценить заданные темы исследования с точки зрения вероятности того, что исследование по данной теме приведет к разработке проектных мероприятий, которые: (i) будут выполнимыми, доступными и экономически устойчивыми; (ii) существенно сократят неудовлетворенную потребность в средствах контрацепции; (iii) будут результативными и эффективными с точки зрения совершенствования систем здравоохранения; (iv) будут этически приемлемыми; и (v) будут содействовать развитию справедливости в заданной популяции. После этого общие баллы были ранжированы.

Результаты

Большинство тем, получивших 15 максимальных показателей, распределялись по трем категориям: внедрение политик в отношении семейного планирования; интеграция услуг для преодоления барьеров, препятствующих использованию средств контрацепции; и проектные мероприятия, направленные на группы, не получающие услуги в достаточном объеме, например, такие как подростки.

Вывод

Эксперты в вопросах контрацепции охарактеризовали исследования по вопросам усовершенствования стратегий реализации и интеграции услуг здравоохранения, а также исследования по вопросам укрепления услуг систем здравоохранения в области планирования семьи, как наиболее важные с точки зрения необходимости. Результаты предпринятых усилий могут помочь лицам, принимающим решения, исследователям и финансирующим организациям разработать четкий и направленный подход, который позволит удовлетворить глобальные потребности, связанные с семейным планированием, и добиться целей, сформулированных в рамках инициативы «Планирование семьи 2020».

Introduction

By protecting women from the risk of pregnancy and its associated complications, family planning can play a vital role in the reduction of infant, child and maternal morbidity and mortality. By preventing unwanted or mistimed pregnancies, family planning can also reduce abortions by unskilled providers or under unhygienic conditions. However, the benefits of family planning go beyond improvements in maternal and child health. For girls and women, for example, family planning can result in higher educational attainment, better employment opportunities, higher socioeconomic status and empowerment.¹1 Canning D, Schultz TP. The economic consequences of reproductive health and family planning. Lancet 2012;380:165–71. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60827-7 PMID:22784535
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60...

Despite extensive global efforts and investments to reduce maternal mortality, this remains high in many developing countries.²2 Trends in maternal mortality: 1990 to 2010. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2012. Available from: http://www.unfpa.org/webdav/site/global/shared/documents/publications/2012/Trends_in_maternal_mortality_A4-1.pdf [accessed 26 September 2013].
http://www.unfpa.org/webdav/site/global/... The 22 million “unsafe” abortions that occur each year cause an estimated 47 000 maternal deaths – mostly in developing countries – and lead to short-term or lifelong disabilities in many women.³3 Ahman E, Shah IH. New estimates and trends regarding unsafe abortion mortality. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2011;115:121–6. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.05.027 PMID:21885049
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.05.0... It has been estimated that up to one third of maternal deaths could be averted through the use of effective contraception by women wishing to postpone or cease further childbearing.⁴4 Ahmed S, Li Q, Liu L, Tsui AO. Maternal deaths averted by contraceptive use: an analysis of 172 countries. Lancet 2012;380:111–25. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60478-4 PMID:22784531
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60... About 222 million women in developing countries are thought to have an unmet need for a modern method of family planning.⁵5 Singh S, Darroch JE. Adding it up: cost and benefits of contraceptive services – estimates for 2012. New York: Guttmacher Institute; 2012. This unmet need is particularly prevalent in certain populations, especially sexually active adolescents, individuals with low socioeconomic status, those living in rural communities and those coping with conflicts and disasters.⁶6 Reproductive health and research. HRP at 40: what they say, a history of scientific achievement to advance sexual and reproductive health. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2012.

In some developing countries, increased contraceptive use has already cut the annual number of maternal deaths by 40% over the past 20 years and reduced the maternal mortality ratio – the number of maternal deaths per 100 000 live births – by about 26% in little more than a decade.⁷7 Cleland J, Conde-Agudelo A, Peterson H, Ross J, Tsui A. Contraception and health. Lancet 2012;380:149–56. do
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60... It has been estimated that a further 30% of the maternal deaths still occurring in these countries could be avoided if the unmet need for contraception could be fulfilled.⁷7 Cleland J, Conde-Agudelo A, Peterson H, Ross J, Tsui A. Contraception and health. Lancet 2012;380:149–56. do
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60...

At the International Conference on Population and Development that was held in Cairo, Egypt, in 1994, representatives of 179 countries agreed to a programme of action to improve global sexual and reproductive health. The representatives called for universal access to comprehensive reproductive health services – including family planning information, services and supplies – by 2015.⁸8 de Francisco A, d'Arcangues C, Ringheim K, Liwander A, Peregoudov A, Faich HS, et al. Perceived research priorities in sexual and reproductive health for low-and middle-income countries: results from a survey. Geneva: Global Forum for Health Research; 2009. Research plays a critical role in the response to such global health challenges. It is also essential in identifying and overcoming the social and economic inequalities and health system deficiencies that obstruct the achievement of the highest attainable standards of sexual and reproductive health for all.⁹9 de Francisco A, Dixon-Mueller R, d'Arcangues C. Issues in sexual and reproductive health for low-and middle-income countries. Geneva: Global Forum for Health Research; 2007. Even when highly effective interventions exist, implementation research is needed to identify the most effective and efficient mechanisms for delivering those interventions.¹⁰10 A new approach for systematic priority setting in child health research investment. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative; 2006. Available from: http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/publications/files/0535210001249198837-604_file_PRIORITY_SETTING_.pdf [accessed 26 September 2013].A new approach for systematic priority setting in child health research investmentDhaka, BangladeshChild Health and Nutrition Research Initiative2006Available from: http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/publications/files/0535210001249198837-604_file_PRIORITY_SETTING_.pdfaccessed 26 September 2013
http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/pub... Effective mechanisms and strategies to prioritize investments in health-related research are particularly needed in resource-poor settings – in developing countries and elsewhere. In addition, any research priorities that are set need to be reviewed and updated at regular intervals.⁸8 de Francisco A, d'Arcangues C, Ringheim K, Liwander A, Peregoudov A, Faich HS, et al. Perceived research priorities in sexual and reproductive health for low-and middle-income countries: results from a survey. Geneva: Global Forum for Health Research; 2009.^,1010 A new approach for systematic priority setting in child health research investment. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative; 2006. Available from: http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/publications/files/0535210001249198837-604_file_PRIORITY_SETTING_.pdf [accessed 26 September 2013].A new approach for systematic priority setting in child health research investmentDhaka, BangladeshChild Health and Nutrition Research Initiative2006Available from: http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/publications/files/0535210001249198837-604_file_PRIORITY_SETTING_.pdfaccessed 26 September 2013
http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/pub...

The “Family Planning 2020” initiative builds on the partnerships that were launched at the London Summit on Family Planning in July 2012.¹¹11 Family Planning 2020. Washington, DC: Family Planning 2020; 2012. Available from: http://www.familyplanning2020.org/summit.php [accessed 26 September 2013].Family Planning 2020.Washington, DCFamily Planning 20202012Available from: http://www.familyplanning2020.org/summit.phpaccessed 26 September 2013
http://www.familyplanning2020.org/summit... It is hoped that this initiative will sustain the momentum created at the Summit and ensure that all the “partners” are working together to achieve the main goal announced at the Summit: making contraceptive information, services and supplies available to an additional 120 million women and girls by 2020. The partners in the initiative have been tasked with both the identification of any obstacles to achieving the initiative's aims and the recommendation of possible solutions. The plan is to identify gaps in our relevant knowledge and the global priorities for action to address the unmet need in family planning and growing demand for contraceptives.¹¹11 Family Planning 2020. Washington, DC: Family Planning 2020; 2012. Available from: http://www.familyplanning2020.org/summit.php [accessed 26 September 2013].Family Planning 2020.Washington, DCFamily Planning 20202012Available from: http://www.familyplanning2020.org/summit.phpaccessed 26 September 2013
http://www.familyplanning2020.org/summit...

The Department of Reproductive Health and Research at the World Health Organization (WHO) is committed to providing global leadership in setting the research agenda on the delivery of reproductive health services and improving access to family planning services.⁶6 Reproductive health and research. HRP at 40: what they say, a history of scientific achievement to advance sexual and reproductive health. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2012. In 2009, staff from this department undertook a wide-ranging exercise for the prioritization of research on sexual and reproductive health.⁸8 de Francisco A, d'Arcangues C, Ringheim K, Liwander A, Peregoudov A, Faich HS, et al. Perceived research priorities in sexual and reproductive health for low-and middle-income countries: results from a survey. Geneva: Global Forum for Health Research; 2009. This was followed – between late 2011 and the middle of 2012 – by a separate but similar research prioritization exercise that was focused solely on family planning. This paper presents the results of the latter exercise.

The present study was based on the methods used in the Child Health and Research Initiative.¹⁰10 A new approach for systematic priority setting in child health research investment. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative; 2006. Available from: http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/publications/files/0535210001249198837-604_file_PRIORITY_SETTING_.pdf [accessed 26 September 2013].A new approach for systematic priority setting in child health research investmentDhaka, BangladeshChild Health and Nutrition Research Initiative2006Available from: http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/publications/files/0535210001249198837-604_file_PRIORITY_SETTING_.pdfaccessed 26 September 2013
http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/pub... ^,1212 Lawn JE, Bahl R, Bergstrom S, Bhutta ZA, Darmstadt GL, Ellis M et al. Setting research priorities to reduce almost one million deaths from birth asphyxia by 2015. PLoS Med 2011;8:e1000389. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000389 PMID:21305038
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.100... Although these methods have been used in diverse areas of health research,¹³13 Rudan I. Global health research priorities: mobilizing the developing world. Public Health 2012;126:237–40. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2011.12.001 PMID:22325672
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2011.12.0... they are considered to be particularly well suited to the identification of research that will help fill major knowledge gaps and that might help to resolve problems in the implementation of existing knowledge.¹⁰10 A new approach for systematic priority setting in child health research investment. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative; 2006. Available from: http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/publications/files/0535210001249198837-604_file_PRIORITY_SETTING_.pdf [accessed 26 September 2013].A new approach for systematic priority setting in child health research investmentDhaka, BangladeshChild Health and Nutrition Research Initiative2006Available from: http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/publications/files/0535210001249198837-604_file_PRIORITY_SETTING_.pdfaccessed 26 September 2013
http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/pub... ^,1414 Costello A, Filippi V, Kubba T, Horton R. Research challenges to improve maternal and child survival. Lancet 2007;369:1240–3. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60574-1 PMID:17434384
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60... ^,1515 Rudan I, El Arifeen S, Black RE, Campbell H. Childhood pneumonia and diarrhoea: setting our priorities right. Lancet Infect Dis 2007;7:56–61. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(06)70687-9 PMID:17182344
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(06)70... The main objective of our study was to develop a prioritized global agenda for research on family planning. By informing the donors and those directly involved in research on family planning about the risks and benefits associated with their investments and activities, the results should contribute to the goals set by the Family Planning 2020 initiative.¹⁰10 A new approach for systematic priority setting in child health research investment. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative; 2006. Available from: http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/publications/files/0535210001249198837-604_file_PRIORITY_SETTING_.pdf [accessed 26 September 2013].A new approach for systematic priority setting in child health research investmentDhaka, BangladeshChild Health and Nutrition Research Initiative2006Available from: http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/publications/files/0535210001249198837-604_file_PRIORITY_SETTING_.pdfaccessed 26 September 2013
http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/pub... ^,1212 Lawn JE, Bahl R, Bergstrom S, Bhutta ZA, Darmstadt GL, Ellis M et al. Setting research priorities to reduce almost one million deaths from birth asphyxia by 2015. PLoS Med 2011;8:e1000389. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000389 PMID:21305038
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.100... ^,1616 Rudan I, El Arifeen S, Bhutta ZA, Black RE, Brooks A, Chan KY et al.; WHO/CHNRI Expert Group on Childhood Pneumonia. Setting research priorities to reduce global mortality from childhood pneumonia by 2015. PLoS Med 2011;8:e1001099. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001099 PMID:21980266
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.100...

Methods

Global priorities for research on family planning were identified in four main stages in our study. First, a comprehensive list of 180 stakeholders working in the field of family planning globally was prepared. The list included individuals who had collaborated – or were still collaborating – with WHO in family planning projects in all regions of the world; participants in WHO-supported seminars and expert sessions in family planning; programme managers; experts from leading universities, research institutes, ministries of health and donor agencies; independent consultants in family planning; and authors of relevant peer-reviewed articles. We used “snowball” sampling – asking identified stakeholders to suggest acquaintances who were also stakeholders working in the field of family planning techniques – to identify pertinent individuals.

In the second – scoping – stage of our study, each of the stakeholders that we had listed was contacted by e-mail, given an explanation of the background and rationale of the exercise, and asked to identify the current gaps in knowledge and potential research topics in family planning that he or she felt would be important over the next 10 years. Stakeholders were asked to consider their responses in terms of each of three major domains: (i) the options for health policy and systems research – to improve the efficiency of existing health systems; (ii) the options for improving existing interventions – such as improving access by removing barriers to deliverability and increasing the acceptability and affordability of existing contraceptives; and (iii) the options for developing entirely new health interventions and innovations in family planning, including contraceptive technology. From one to three months after the initial round of e-mails, stakeholders who had not responded at all and those who had not responded to all items were reminded weekly, by e-mail or telephone, about the scoping survey and its aims.

In the third – scoring and ranking – stage of the exercise, the full list of research topics identified by the stakeholders was carefully examined and consolidated before being sent to each of the stakeholders for ranking. As recommended by the Child Health and Research Initiative,¹⁰10 A new approach for systematic priority setting in child health research investment. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative; 2006. Available from: http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/publications/files/0535210001249198837-604_file_PRIORITY_SETTING_.pdf [accessed 26 September 2013].A new approach for systematic priority setting in child health research investmentDhaka, BangladeshChild Health and Nutrition Research Initiative2006Available from: http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/publications/files/0535210001249198837-604_file_PRIORITY_SETTING_.pdfaccessed 26 September 2013
http://www.chnri.org/secured/uploads/pub... ^,1212 Lawn JE, Bahl R, Bergstrom S, Bhutta ZA, Darmstadt GL, Ellis M et al. Setting research priorities to reduce almost one million deaths from birth asphyxia by 2015. PLoS Med 2011;8:e1000389. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000389 PMID:21305038
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.100... stakeholders were asked to score research on a given topic in terms of the likelihood of its resulting in an intervention that would: (i) be deliverable, affordable and sustainable; (ii) lead to a substantial reduction in the unmet need for contraceptives; (iii) be effective and efficient in improving health systems; (iv) be implemented in an ethical way; and (v) have an equitable effect on the target population. For each research topic, the stakeholders were asked three questions about each of these criteria. The questions were designed so that a stakeholder would answer “yes” if he or she felt that research on a given topic would lead to the development of an intervention that would fully satisfy the criterion under review (Appendix A, available at: http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/family_planning/appendix_a_questionnaire.pdf). Answers of “yes”, “no” and “do not know” or “am unsure” were scored 1, 0 and 0.5, respectively.

In the fourth stage of the exercise, the 47 research topics that had been investigated were analysed and ranked in terms of their priority. For this, the score given by each stakeholder to each research topic was divided by the number of items within the topic for which the stakeholder had provided answers – to obtain a mean score for each topic. A weighted average of these mean scores across all stakeholders was then calculated, with weights given according to the number of items answered for that topic by each stakeholder. This weighted average was multiplied by 100 to give a “research priority score” for each topic that could vary from 0 to 100.

All of the data processing and analysis were carried out using SPSS version 18 (SPPS Inc., Chicago, United States of America).

Results

Overall, 102 (57%) of the 180 stakeholders who were asked to identify important research topics in the scoping survey responded adequately (Table 1). Although these 102 respondents initially appeared to identify 55 topics for research in the field of family planning, consolidation of the full list of topics – including the elimination of duplicated items – left only 47 topics for scoring and ranking. These 47 topics spanned a wide range – epidemiological research, health systems research, social science research, implementation research and research on improving existing interventions and developing new interventions in the field of contraceptive technology.

At the time that the 47 listed topics were scored, 34 of the 180 stakeholders who had been asked to identify important research topics could not be contacted, were no longer working in family planning or said they were too busy with other commitments. The list of 47 research topics was sent to each of the remaining 146 stakeholders for scoring, but scores were only received from 66 individuals (45%) (Table 1). The score-based ranking of the 47 research topics led to the identification of 15 “high-priority” topics – that is, the topics with the 15 highest research priority scores (Table 2).

The topic with the highest research priority score (86.2) was the study of the main barriers to the uptake and use of modern contraceptives in settings where such contraceptives are rarely used (Table 2).

The topics given the lowest research priority scores were the development of new methods of contraception and the safety, efficacy, effectiveness and side-effects of various methods of family planning (data not shown).

Discussion

In this exercise for the prioritization of research topics in the field of family planning, the topics most highly ranked in importance were generally related to implementation research – particularly to the use of innovative approaches to improve access, service quality and the ability to reach marginalized groups. Research on the development of new family planning technologies was ranked very low.

These observations have to be considered with care, since the stakeholders responsible for listing and scoring research topics were asked to consider topics that they believed would contribute to reducing the unmet need for family planning in the medium term – that is, within the next decade. This timeframe and the existence of cost-effective methods of contraception may have favoured the listing of – and higher scores for – topics that related to implementation research, contraceptive delivery and service integration.¹⁶16 Rudan I, El Arifeen S, Bhutta ZA, Black RE, Brooks A, Chan KY et al.; WHO/CHNRI Expert Group on Childhood Pneumonia. Setting research priorities to reduce global mortality from childhood pneumonia by 2015. PLoS Med 2011;8:e1001099. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001099 PMID:21980266
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.100... The need for a new method of contraception – particularly one that could be developed, thoroughly tested and made widely available within the next 10 years – was clearly not considered a priority.

Research prioritization is a dynamic and iterative process. It needs to be reviewed and updated as new discoveries are made and new challenges emerge. In a previous research prioritization survey that covered a wider range of topics – adolescents, violence against women, sexually transmitted infections, including infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and family planning – there was a perceived need for greater emphasis on social science research and programme development.⁸8 de Francisco A, d'Arcangues C, Ringheim K, Liwander A, Peregoudov A, Faich HS, et al. Perceived research priorities in sexual and reproductive health for low-and middle-income countries: results from a survey. Geneva: Global Forum for Health Research; 2009. In this earlier investigation, the design of appropriate and accessible services and health programmes to meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable were identified as priorities.⁸8 de Francisco A, d'Arcangues C, Ringheim K, Liwander A, Peregoudov A, Faich HS, et al. Perceived research priorities in sexual and reproductive health for low-and middle-income countries: results from a survey. Geneva: Global Forum for Health Research; 2009. In the present study, which was focused solely on family planning, it was research that might improve and strengthen systems for the delivery of health care in general, increase access to family planning services and improve the quality and utilization of family planning services that was rated highly.

The response rate in our scoping survey (57%) was higher than the corresponding rate recorded in some earlier scoping surveys,⁸8 de Francisco A, d'Arcangues C, Ringheim K, Liwander A, Peregoudov A, Faich HS, et al. Perceived research priorities in sexual and reproductive health for low-and middle-income countries: results from a survey. Geneva: Global Forum for Health Research; 2009.^,1717 Grava-Gubins I, Scott S. Effects of various methodologic strategies: survey response rates among Canadian physicians and physicians-in-training. Can Fam Physician 2008;54:1424–30. PMID:18854472^,1818 McMahon SR, Iwamoto M, Massoudi MS, Yusuf HR, Stevenson JM, David F et al. Comparison of e-mail, fax, and postal surveys of pediatricians. Pediatrics 2003;111:e299–303. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1542/peds.111.4.e299 PMID:12671142
https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.111.4.e299... possibly because of the reminders that we sent to non-responders.

The main aims of our prioritization exercise were to set the global agenda for research in family planning and to ensure that such research was focused on populations that are currently underserved in terms of family planning information, services and supplies. It was our intention to be more prescriptive than others who have previously tried to identify and prioritize research topics.⁸8 de Francisco A, d'Arcangues C, Ringheim K, Liwander A, Peregoudov A, Faich HS, et al. Perceived research priorities in sexual and reproductive health for low-and middle-income countries: results from a survey. Geneva: Global Forum for Health Research; 2009.^,99 de Francisco A, Dixon-Mueller R, d'Arcangues C. Issues in sexual and reproductive health for low-and middle-income countries. Geneva: Global Forum for Health Research; 2007.

The stakeholders identified three key areas in the field of family planning in which research is needed. The first of these was implementation research that focuses on the strengthening of health systems and health policies – to overcome barriers related to the uptake, use, availability and affordability of modern contraceptives. Over the last two decades – and despite the existence of proven technologies and effective interventions – very little progress has been made in reducing the unmet need for family planning. It is therefore not surprising that “implementation” was identified as the top research priority. Even when modern contraceptives are readily available, behavioural practices such as switching and discontinuation of contraceptive methods may have a detrimental effect on the efficacy of contraception. Research on these practices is also needed.

The second main research topic identified by stakeholders was the integration or bundling up of family planning services with other services – again to overcome barriers to the uptake of family planning. Postpartum family planning could perhaps be integrated with child immunization or programmes for the control of HIV infection.

The third main research topic identified by stakeholders was the improvement of outreach to those groups – such as adolescents and HIV-positive individuals – who often have a particularly large but unmet need for contraceptives.

Encouragingly, the research topics that were given high priority by the stakeholders in the present study are broadly matched by the current research priorities and activities of WHO's Department of Reproductive Health and Research. However, the present results indicate a need to focus on improvements in the implementation of existing technologies, the delivery of contraceptives to adolescents and other groups that are currently badly underserved, and the development and use of new modalities in service provision.

The Child Health and Research Initiative's methods – as followed in the present study – have several advantages, including the use of a systematic approach, transparent criteria and a well-defined context. They also allow the independent views of experts to be accessed. In meetings to discuss future research, the more confident or strong-minded experts may exert a greater influence on the selection of priority topics than other participants.¹³13 Rudan I. Global health research priorities: mobilizing the developing world. Public Health 2012;126:237–40. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2011.12.001 PMID:22325672
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2011.12.0... ^,1616 Rudan I, El Arifeen S, Bhutta ZA, Black RE, Brooks A, Chan KY et al.; WHO/CHNRI Expert Group on Childhood Pneumonia. Setting research priorities to reduce global mortality from childhood pneumonia by 2015. PLoS Med 2011;8:e1001099. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001099 PMID:21980266
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.100... Some of the main criticisms of the initiative's methods are that many good ideas may not be included in the initial list of options and that the final list of priorities may represent the biased opinion of a limited group of experts – that is, the individuals who participate in the scoring process.¹³13 Rudan I. Global health research priorities: mobilizing the developing world. Public Health 2012;126:237–40. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2011.12.001 PMID:22325672
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2011.12.0... ^,1919 Tomlinson M, Chopra M, Sanders D, Bradshaw D, Hendricks M, Greenfield D et al. Setting priorities in child health research investments for South Africa. PLoS Med 2007;4:e259. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040259 PMID:17760497
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.004... In an attempt to overcome these constraints, we made every effort to develop a comprehensive list of global experts from different parts of the world and to involve all of those experts in the scoring process. Although surveys of technical experts often result in sound recommendations for future interventions and research, such recommendations have little impact if – as often happens – they are not subsequently followed or supported by donor agencies.²⁰20 Rudan I, Gibson J, Kapiriri L, Lansang MA, Hyder AA, Lawn J et al.; Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI). Setting priorities in global child health research investments: assessment of principles and practice. Croat Med J 2007;48:595–604. PMID:17948946 We therefore intentionally engaged members of funding agencies in all stages of the present study.

It is important to realize that the present results represent a global overview of the issues in family planning. They should be interpreted carefully when applied at the regional and national levels because of the differences in needs and context.

The present results generated some of the momentum for – and were discussed at – the first Family Planning Implementation Research Donor Meeting, which was held in Washington, DC, United States, on 3–4 December 2012.²¹21 Launching collaboration on family planning research among the international donor community. Washington, DC: Family Planning 2020; 2012. Available from:http://www.familyplanning2020.org/Collaboration-Family-Planning%20Research.pdf [accessed 26 September 2013].Launching collaboration on family planning research among the international donor community. Washington, DC Family Planning 2020 2012 Available from: http://www.familyplanning2020.org/Collaboration-Family-Planning%20Research.pdf accessed 26 September 2013
http://www.familyplanning2020.org/Collab... At this meeting, over 40 representatives from 21 funding agencies discussed key knowledge gaps in the field of family planning. The thematic areas and issues that were identified for future collaborative work and research investment included “the scaling up of best practices”, “adolescents and gender”, “new measures and research methodologies”, “financing mechanisms for family planning” and “advocacy, accountability and policy”.²¹21 Launching collaboration on family planning research among the international donor community. Washington, DC: Family Planning 2020; 2012. Available from:http://www.familyplanning2020.org/Collaboration-Family-Planning%20Research.pdf [accessed 26 September 2013].Launching collaboration on family planning research among the international donor community. Washington, DC Family Planning 2020 2012 Available from: http://www.familyplanning2020.org/Collaboration-Family-Planning%20Research.pdf accessed 26 September 2013
http://www.familyplanning2020.org/Collab...

The setting of research priorities is the first step in a dynamic process to identify where research funding should be focused to maximize health benefits. The present results indicate that priority should be given to implementation research and hopefully will help to secure further attention and financing for this important topic.

Competing interests:

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